Women and the Consistory in Calvin's Geneva

Abstract

At its inception (1542-1544), the Consistory of Geneva was concerned above all with the religious practices of the common people. Calvin and his collegues were particularly wary of the piety of women, who appeared more attached than men to the rituals of Roman Catholicism. Moreover, the Consistory offered little protection to the wives of abusive husbands, nor did women benefit from the introduction of divorce. However, the Consistory did not display a double standard with regard to illicit sexuality, and it showed concern for unwed mothers. Nonetheless, the evidence from the Consistory does not support the view that the reformation in Geneva enhanced the status of women

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